ITA Update 8/27/13

[Robert K]

Indoor Tanning Association, Inc., 2025 M St, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 · Phone: 888-377-0477 · Fax: 202-367-2142

Member Update 08/27/2013:

Regulatory Alert –
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Seeking Public Comment on Preventing Skin Cancer through Reduction of UV Exposure
As many of you are already be aware, on August 5, 2013, the Centers for Disease Control opened a docket to obtain information from the public on "preventing skin cancer through the reduction of UV exposure”. https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/08/05/2013-18766/preventing-skin-cancer-through-reduction-of-uv-exposure.
It would seem from the tone of this request for information that the CDC may have already made up its mind in regard to what it is trying to accomplish with this notice. Once more our government is ignoring the many health benefits of moderate UV exposure and focusing exclusively on the risks.
In spite of this, comments from the public do matter and we urge you to contact the CDC using this link (Click here to submit your comments to the CDC ) and let them know your views on this vitally important issue for our industry.Enter the docket number (Docket Number CDC-2013-0014) in the search field to access the page to file your comments.
· The request for information focuses only on the risks of over-exposure and ignores the many benefits of UV light.
· The government has an obligation to give the public balanced information on all health issues and this request for information is not balanced.
·On a daily basis we are learning more about the importance of ultraviolet light in the production of vitamin D and the impact that vitamin D deficiency can have on human health. It is imperative that the CDC take this into consideration.
·The message of sun avoidance has gone too far and may be causing a more widespread health problem.
· Sun burning increases the risk of skin cancer, not moderate non-burning exposure. In a professional indoor tanning facility, we work hard every day to insure our customers are not over-exposed or sunburned.
Please note that the 30 day comment period closes on September 5, 2013. Make sure you reference: Docket Number CDC-2013-0014, on your comments.
Working with the UV Foundation, the ITA will submit a 123 page literature review that addresses the science of UV light and health. We have also reached out to scientists that support moderate UV exposure to make sure they are aware of the CDC’s request for comment, the upcoming deadline and to encourage each to join in the debate in support of moderate UV exposure.
Please contact the ITA if you have any questions.
FDA – Proposed Administrative Order to Reclassify Sunlamps to Class II
On July 30, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) sent the FDA a strong letter raising many concerns about the pending order. Use this link to read the letter.
Congresswoman Blackburn is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This committee has oversight responsibility for the FDA. Legislation passed in 2012 that gave the FDA the streamlined authority to reclassify a medical device using an administrative order originated in this committee. Clearly, Congresswoman Blackburn is concerned that the FDA did not follow the law in issuing the order and has asked for an explanation.
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